Episode 52: I Got a Fire Engine! (featuring Brian Levant)
Here at The Marx Brothers Council Podcast, there’s a lot going on these days. This is our final episode of 2022, and also the final episode prior to the official launch of our Patreon program!
In 2023, the podcast itself will still be free, to everyone, as always. But listeners who support the show through Patreon will have an even richer Marx Brothers Council Podcast experience, with monthly bonus segments, postcards, and some beautiful exclusive merch that should appeal to anyone who’s licked their weight in wild caterpillars.
There are four monthly subscription levels, and you can learn all about them here. Subscriptions officially open on January 1, and there’s a rumor going around that subscriptions are open already. We thank you in advance for even considering becoming an official supporter!
Subscribing will be a rewarding experience! Details
Brian Levant gestures grandly toward those Love Happy dolls we’ve all talked about so often
And in addition to all that excitement, we’ve got some interesting an unusual episodes lined up for you — like this month’s, featuring the prolific showrunner and filmmaker Brian Levant. He’s one of those guests whose list of credits could fill an episode, but if you’ve been a TV watcher and/or filmgoer over the last four or five decades, it’s a given that you’re familiar with at least some of his work. And he has the credit that matters most: He’s a passionate fan of the Marx Brothers, with a lot to say about their influence on his life and work.
He’s also a passionate collector of toys, and his lavish new book, My Life and Toys, shows off his vast collection through the photography of Joe Pellegrini. There are more than a few Marx Brothers collectibles in the mix, including those Love Happy dolls you see him gesturing toward in the photo on this page.
And another thing: As you know, we’re a monthly podcast, not a weekly one. But now that there are 52 episodes, you could listen to one episode per week and it would last you an entire year! (And that’s not even counting bonus episodes, Jay Hopkins interviews, and whatever else we’ve cluttered up your feed with over the last half-decade.)
Happy holidays, friends; we’ll see you next year!
Official description: “Director/writer/producer Brian Levant (Happy Days, Beethoven, The Flintstones, Still the Beaver) discusses his Marx-inspired career and new book My Life and Toys; a compilation of photos of his memorabilia collection…including unique Marx Brothers and classic comedy items. Brian recalls his discovery of the team under trying circumstances, his two first-hand encounters with Groucho, and the time when George Fenneman met Fonzie! Brian also gives his thoughts on each Marx film…and where they went astray. And stay tuned after the end song for details on our upcoming Patreon venture, and the special rewards that could be yours.”
Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.
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Footnote
My Life and Toys
by Brian Levant
photos by Joe Pellegrini
